Program Details

What are the admission requirements?

• Unofficial transcripts with an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or above.
  • Official transcripts must be submitted upon admission to the program.
• A written statement, 400-700 words, of your career objective. (See next question for guidelines.)
• Letters of recommendation from three persons qualified to judge academic and/or professional qualities. Although recommendations from former instructors are helpful, the admissions committee understands many applicants are no longer in contact with instructors from undergraduate or previous graduate work. Individuals who have supervised or collaborated with you in a professional or volunteer setting are appropriate alternative recommenders.
• Resume.
• $60 application fee. Application fee is not due at the start of application, but must be paid before final submission.
• All undergraduate degrees are welcome.
• The GRE is not required for admissions.

What are the guidelines for the written statement in the application?

What are the admission deadlines for domestic students?

Where do I submit my transcript?

What is the admissions process for international students?

International students wishing to complete our program online from outside the United States may apply. However, at this time we are unable to accept international students wishing to study on campus, unless they are already in the United States on another non-student type of visa. Please contact us at sis@utk.edu to determine if you are eligible.

Is there any financial support offered for the program?

You can learn more about scholarships, financial aid, and fellowships on the Graduate Financial Support page. You can learn more abou tuition and fees at One Stop Student Services.

Does the School of Information Sciences offer assistantships?

You can learn more about assistantships on the Graduate Financial Support page.

Can I do an internship or practicum for credit?

Students are encouraged to engage in a practicum to get hands-on learning experience. Learn more about what a practicum is and what opportunities our MSIS program offers on our Graduate Career Development page.

Academic librarians work at institutions of higher education, including four-year institutions, community, and technical colleges. The main objective of academic librarianship is supporting their constituents’ learning, teaching, research, and service efforts. They help students, faculty, staff, and members of the general public find and use information effectively, and shepherd the growth and maintenance of scholarly collections in print and electronic formats, while ensuring current and future users will have access to the resources they need to fulfill the institution’s mission. Academic librarians may also conduct their own research, and many have instructional responsibilities of their own.

Modern academic librarian positions are extremely varied and represent a wide variety of responsibilities. These are but a few of the many positions academic librarians hold. For more position titles and job requirements, consult the ALA JobList.

• Public/User Services Librarians assist users with information needs, instruct users (frequently large groups) in the effective use of information resources, act as liaison to one or more academic departments, centers, or other campus groups; and manage one or more areas of the collection.
• Technical Services Librarians might catalog new additions to the collection, or oversee ordering and processing of new materials. Because technical services departments typically employ more staff members than degreed librarians, this type of position frequently includes supervisory responsibilities.
• Electronic Resources Librarians may work in Technical Services or Systems. ER Librarians are responsible myriad tasks associated with licensed electronic resources.
• Systems/Access Services Librarians may be responsible for maintaining the library’s website, managing the Integrated Library System (ILS), or implementing digital initiatives.
• Assessment Librarians are tasked with overseeing the library’s efforts related to demonstrating value and impact. They create research tools, implement studies, collect data, write reports, and distribute information about the performance and plans of the library and its employees.
• Special Collections Librarians/Archivists work with specialized materials in a college or university’s collection. They may identify and solicit materials donations, process collections, design tools to provide intellectual access to special collections, and/or promote the special collections to the public. They may also assist the public with special collections use.
• Digital Initiatives Librarians are involved with academic libraries’ digital collections and projects. They may identify materials for digitization, design and implement metadata for digital collections, or develop workflows and procedures for digital assets management.
• Data Services/Curation Librarians assist faculty with developing research data plans, manage data repositories, and interact with other university and funding agencies.

Professional Development

Associations

• The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL): Division of the American Library Association
• Other ALA divisions depending on interest

Conferences

• ACRL’s biennial Conference
• EDUCAUSE
• Others, depending on interest area

Publications of Note

• The Journal of Academic Librarianship
• College & Research Libraries and College & Research Libraries News (published by ACRL)
• portal: Libraries and the Academy

In addition to completing the courses required for the MSIS degree, students with an interest in academic librarianship might consider enrolling in some of these courses (please note that this listing is not a substitute for consulting with the MSIS Program Advisor)

Recommended SIS Courses (INSC)

Everyone

• INSC 552 Academic Libraries
• INSC 599 Practicum

Strongly recommended, regardless of interest area

• INSC 504 Research Methods for Information Professionals
• INSC 550 Management of Information Organizations
• INSC 558 Planning and Assessment
• INSC 559 Grant Development for Information Professionals
• INSC 560 Development and Management of Collections

Technical Services/Electronic Resources

• INSC 521 Cataloging and Classification
• INSC 522 Cataloging of Non-print Materials
• INSC 524 Metadata
• INSC 565 Digital Libraries
• INSC 525 Information Architecture
• INSC 598 Web Design

Public/User services

• INSC 531 Sources and Services for the Social Sciences
• INSC 532 Sources and Services for Science and Engineering
• INSC 533 Sources and Services for the Humanities
• INSC 534 Government Information Sources
• INSC 587 Mining the Web

Specialized settings

• INSC 547 Health Sciences Information Centers
• INSC 562 Digital Curation
• INSC 564 Archives and Records Management

Other academic librarianship-related courses at UT

(please note—students typically must secure permission from the course instructor prior to registering for courses offered outside CCI. These courses also may be offered on campus only)

Specialized research/bibliography courses in area of interest:

• MUSC 510 – Music Bibliography
• FREN 519 – Bibliography and Methods of Research
• GERM 519 – Bibliography and Methods of Research

Courses offered in the Higher Education Administration/Educational Leadership and Policy Studies graduate programs offer unique insight into academic life.

• HEAM 505 Leadership and Organizational Theory in Higher Education
• HEAM 521 Multiculturalism in U.S. Higher Education
• HEAM 543 American Higher Education in Transition
• ELPS 615 Research Design
• ELPS 617 Case Study Methods in Educational Research
• HEAM 619 Administration and Governance of Higher Education
• HEAM 625 History and Philosophy of Higher Education
• ELPS 695 Students in Postsecondary Education

Real-World Experience

Recent Practicum Settings

• UT Hodges Library Public Services Department
• UT Hodges Library Digital Initiatives
• UT Hodges Special Collections
• Preston Medical Library
• Maryville College

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Archivists and records managers are responsible for the long-term care of documentary materials. These materials may be, “characterized as “records,” “personal papers,” or “artificial collections” on the basis of who created and maintained the documents and for what purpose” (Daniels, 1984, para. 3). These documentary materials may be acquired through legal mandates, such as the Federal Records Act of 1950, or based on institutional regulations and collecting policies.

Work in archives and records management takes place in a variety of settings, including governmental agencies at the national, regional or local levels; colleges and universities; museums and other cultural heritage institutions; other non-profit or non-governmental agencies, such as churches and corporations. Preparing for work in archives or records management necessitates knowledge of the nature and function of documentary materials and the history, ethics and values of the profession.

It also requires understanding of essential core archival competencies, including: selection, appraisal, and acquisition; arrangement and description; preservation; reference and access; outreach, instruction, and advocacy; management and administration; records and information management; and digital materials management” (SAA, 2016).

Titles and responsibilities for information professionals working in archives and records management vary. Examples are provided below, derived from real-world job vacancy postings. For more position titles and job requirements, consult job posting services, including SAA Careers Jobs; ALA JobList; and I Need a Library Job.

• University Archivists are primarily involved with collecting and caring for all documentary materials pertaining to the official administrative activities of their institution.
• Processing Archivists are typically responsible for arranging, describing, and making accessible collections of papers, artifacts, and other materials within an institution’s holdings. This includes creating archival standards-compliant documentation such as inventories and finding aids in support of discovery.
• Assistant Directors of University Archives and Special Collections take on more administrative responsibilities. While most director positions require several years of archival work experience in addition to a master’s degree (or even a doctorate degree), assistant director positions maybe filled by recent graduates, provided they have background experience in archival settings. Assistant directors aid in improving access to collections as well as planning, scheduling and executing exhibitions.
• Digital Archivists are concerned with creating and managing digital collections of reformatted print, manuscript, and born-digital archival materials. This is done through keeping current on best practices and standards, as well as developing and maintaining polices, procedures and workflows that implement these practices. It also involves ensuring that necessary computing hardware and software for storing, preserving and presenting digitally archived materials is intact and functioning properly.
• Reference Archivists are primarily involved with helping users and researchers identify and access materials from an institution’s holdings. This is done through conducting reference interviews both in person and remotely, such as via email or online chat. Additionally, reference archivists may be responsible for creating subjector topical guides for their institution’s holdings, and perform other duties to aid researchers, including providing instruction.
• Records Managers are typically employed by corporations to administer records management activities throughout the records’ life cycle. This includes developing and administering file management directives and retention schedules; securely maintaining active and inactive records; and disposing of records. Other terms used to refer to similar positions include records analyst and records officer.

Professional Development

Associations

• Society of American Archivists (SAA)
• Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators (NAGARA)
• Council of State Archivists (CoSA)
• International Council on Archives (ICA)
• Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA)
• ARMA International (previously known as the Association of Records Managers and Administrators)
• American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)

Conferences

• SAA Annual Meeting (held annually in conjunction with the NAGARA Annual Conference and CoSA Annual Meeting)
• AMIA Annual Meeting
• ARMA InfoCon Annual Conference
• AASLH Annual Meeting
• Society of Tennessee Archivists Annual Meeting

Publications of Note

• American Archivist
• Archival Issues
• Archivaria
• ARMA Magazine
• Collections: A Journal for Museum and Archives Professionals
• Moving Image Journal
• Records Management Journal

Recommended SIS Courses (INSC)

In addition to completing the courses required for the MSIS degree, students with an interest in archives and records management might consider enrolling in these courses (please note that this listing is not a substitute for consulting with your MSIS Program Academic Advisor). Also, be aware that these recommendations are informed by the Society of American Archivists’ (2016) Guidelines for a Graduate Program in Archival Studies.

Everyone

• 524 Metadata
• 562 Digital Curation
• 564 Archives and Records Management

Recommended

• 504 Research Methods in Information Sciences
• 550 Management of Information Organizations
• 559 Grant Development for Information Professionals
• 560 Development and Management of Collections
• 599 Practicum

Real-World Experience

Recent Practicum Settings

Work in archives and records management takes place in a variety of settings, including archives, museums, cultural heritage organizations, businesses, government agencies, and academic, research and special libraries. Examples of recent practicum placements in archives and records management include:

• Knox County Government Archives at the East Tennessee History Center
• Tennessee State Library and Archives
• Blacks in Appalachia Project, East Tennessee PBS
• Knoxville Jewish Alliance Archives
• Special Collections, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Library
• Alvin M. Wienberg Papers Collection, Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge
• Archives and Records Center, City of Alexandria (VA)

References

Daniels, M.F. (1984). Archives and records management resources. College Park, MD: NARA.

Society of American Archivists (SAA). (2016, December 14). GPAS curriculum. In Guidelines for a graduate program in archival studies. Retrieved from https://www2.archivists.org/prof-education/graduate/gpas/curriculum

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Assessment Librarians help their institutions determine how well they are meeting users’ needs and fulfilling stated goals. Assessment librarians are often involved in communicating their libraries’ achievements on both formal and informal bases. They regularly generate, collect, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data, and develop channels and products to share that data with internal and external audiences. While many information professionals in all types of settings are likely to engage in assessment-related activities as part of their jobs, Assessment Librarians are more likely to work in academic libraries than in other environments.

Most positions in this area are titled “Assessment Librarian,” but there are few others related to this area of the profession. These include:

• User Experience Librarian
• Librarian for Instructional Design and Assessment
• Assessment Specialist

Professional Development

Associations

• Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Statistics & Assessment Focus Area
• Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL)
• User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA)

Conferences

• ARL Library Assessment Conference (Biannual)
• Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries (QQML)
• International Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Conference (EBLIP)
• American Library Association (ALA) Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA) Conference | Assessment Section
• Northumbria International Conference on Performance Measurement in Library and Information Services (Biannual)

Publications of Note

• College and Research Libraries
• Evidence Based Library and Information Practice (EBLIP)
• Performance Measurement and Metrics
• portal: Libraries and the Academy
• The Journal of Academic Librarianship
• The Journal of Library Administration
• UX Magazine

Recommended SIS Courses (INSC)

In addition to completing the courses required for the MSIS degree, students with an interest in assessment librarianship might consider enrolling in some of these courses (please note that this listing is not a substitute for consulting with the MSIS Program Advisor).

• INSC 504 Research Methods for Information Professionals
• INSC 552 Academic Libraries
• INSC 558 Planning & Assessment
• INSC 586 Usability Testing and Evaluation
• INSC 588 Human-Computer Interaction
• INSC 592 Introduction to Data Analytics and Visualization
• INSC 599 Practicum

Other Assessment related courses at UT

(please note—students typically must secure permission from the course instructor prior to registering for courses offered outside CCI. These courses also may be offered on campus only)

• EDPY 577 Statistics in Applied Fields
• IELPS 615 Research Design
• ELPS 617 Case Study Methods in Educational Research

Recommended Online Training & Workshops

UTK OIT Workshops

• Advanced Excel 2 & 3
• PowerPoint Advanced Techniques
• NVivo
• Qualtrics
• SPSS

LinkedIn Learning Courses

• Time Management
• Project Management
• Assessment
• UX Research
• UX Design
• Communication

Real-World Experience

Recent Practicum Settings

• Various Academic and Public Libraries

Professional Certifications in User Experience

• ACRL Proficiencies for Assessment Librarians and Coordinators
• University of Tennessee Libraries Assessment Libguide
• ARL Library Assessment Blog

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Data Curation and Data Management

Geographic information (GI) generally consists of facts, data and/or evidence pertaining to events, activities and things located on (or near) the surface of the earth (Bishop & Grubesic, 2016). The process by which humans organize, access and use this information is fundamental to science, industry and our everyday lives. Knowledge of GI also may assist information professionals analyzing and managing physical access for users of information agencies using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Individuals working with GI must manage all forms of cartographic resources and the geospatial data behind them as well as oversee all aspects of related services, resources, and geospatial technologies to facilitate use. Careers in GI have the potential to attract a wide range of students from different fields to fill information professional roles. In addition, many data managers may perform an array of duties, including research outreach, technology administration, data acquisition and institutional training related to geographic information specifically.

These are but a few of the many positions geographic information professionals hold:

• Geospatial/GIS/Map Librarian
• Informationist
• Spatial Data Analyst
• Data Visualization Librarian
• Earth Sciences/Geology Librarian
• Map Cataloger
• Archivist/Records Manager
• Surveying and Mapping Technician
• Research Data Manager

Professional Development

Associations

• Map & Geospatial Information Round Table (MAGIRT)
• Geoscience Information Society 
• Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML)
• North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS)

Conferences

• ALA Midwinter and Annual Conferences
• Association of American Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting
• Esri User Conference
• Tennessee Geographic Information Council (TNGIC) Conference

Publications of Note

• Journal of Map & Geography Libraries 
• International Journal of Geographical Information Science 

Recommended SIS Courses (INSC)

In addition to completing the courses required for the MSIS degree, students with an interest in Geographic Information might consider enrolling in some of these courses (please note that this listing is not a substitute for consulting with the MSIS Program Advisor). 

• INSC 516 Geospatial Technologies 
• INSC 524 Metadata
• INSC 531 Sources and Services for the Social Sciences 
• INSC 532 Sources and Services for Science & Engineering 
• INSC 534 Government Information Sources 
• INSC 543 Spatial Data Management 
• INSC 552 Academic Libraries  
• INSC 563 Data Management
• INSC 584 Database Management Systems 
• INSC 592 Introduction to Data Analytics and Visualization 
• INSC 599 Practicum 

Other GI-related courses at UT

(please note—students typically must secure permission from the course instructor prior to registering for courses offered outside CCI. These courses also may be offered on campus only): 

Geography (GEOG)

• INSC 411 Intermediate Geographic Information Science 
• INSC 413 Remote Sensing of the Environment 
• INSC 414 Spatial Databases and Data Management 
• INSC 415 Quantitative Methods in Geography 
• INSC 517 Geographic Information Management and Processing 
• INSC 518 GIS Project Management 
• INSC 611 Seminar in Geographic Information Science 

Real-World Experience

Recent Practicum Settings

• UT Map Collection
• United States Geological Survey
• Tennessee State Library and Archives
• Vanderbilt University

References: Bishop, B. W., & Grubesic, T. H. (2016). Geographic Information: Organization, Access, and Use. New York: Springer.  ISBN 978-3-319-22789-4 

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“The process of describing information resources and providing name, title, and subject access to the descriptions, resulting in records that serve as surrogates for the actual items of recorded information and in resources that are logically arranged. Also referred to as Bibliographic control or Organization of information” (Taylor & Joudry, 2009, p. 459).

“Bibliographic control is the process of creation, exchange, preservation, and use of data about information resources.” (Encyclopedia of Library and Information Sciences, Third Edition)

“The creation, organization, and management of records to describe items held in libraries or databases, and to facilitate user access to those items”- “Bibliographic control” entry in Mortimer, Mary (2007). Libraryspeak : A Glossary of Terms in Librarianship and Information Management. Friendswood, TX: TotalRecall Publications.

These are typical position titles related to information organization. For more position titles and job requirements, consult the ALA JobList.

• Cataloger: a librarian who works in a library or other types of organizations whose primary responsibilities involve copy cataloging and original cataloging.
• Metadata librarian: a librarian who performs original cataloging, as well as creating and maintaining descriptive, technical, and administrative metadata for items within a library collection.
• Indexer: an information professional who identifies key information within works, or among a collection, and categorizes this information.
• Technical Services Librarian: a librarian who is responsible for original cataloging and complex copy cataloging of all library materials added to the collection.
• Taxonomist: an information professional who works on taxonomies.

These are positions that often involve responsibilities of information organization.

• Information architect: an information professional who organizes digital information and designs accessible web portals by which users can access the information.
• Special Collections Librarian/Archivist: a librarian who is responsible for providing access to materials in Special Collections through archival processing, the creation of online finding aids, and cataloging.
• Digital Initiatives Librarian: a librarian who utilizes emerging technologies to better serve users, enhancing library operations with technology, enhancing and promoting digital repositories, and initiating new and innovative technology-based services and library spaces.

Professional Development

Associations

• ALA divisions: ALCTS (Association for Library Collections & Technical Services)
• IFLA Cataloguing Section
• SLA (Special Libraries Association, Cataloging Committee)
• Online Audiovisual Catalogers (OLAC)

Conferences

• ALCTS programs at ALA Annual Conference and Midterm Meeting
• International Conference on Dublin Core and Metadata Applications
• Metadata and Semantics Research Conference
• NASIG (sometimes cover serials cataloging)

Publications of Note

• Library Resources and Technical Services
• Cataloging & Classification Quarterly
• Cataloging Service Bulletin (LOC Publication)
• Information Processing & Management
• Library Collections, Acquisitions, and Technical Services
• OCLC Technical Bulletins
• Technical Services Law Librarian

Listservs

• AUTOCAT
• Serials
• Metadata Librarians
• DC General
• EAD (Encoded Archival Description List)

Reference/tools

• Cataloger’s Reference Shelf
• Cataloging Distribution Service

Continuing Education

• ALCTS Webinars Education 
• ALCTS Web Courses 
• ALCTS E-Forum
• Library of Congress Catalogers Learning Workshop
• W3schools (for XML basics)

Recommended Courses (INSC)

In addition to completing the courses required for the MSIS degree, students with an interest in inforamtion organization might consider enrolling in some of these courses (please note that this listing is not a substitute for consulting with the MSIS Program Advisor).

• INSC 521 Cataloging and Classification 
• INSC 522 Cataloging of Non-print Materials 
• INSC 523 Abstracting and Indexing 
• INSC 524 Metadata  
• INSC 565 Digital Libraries (covers metadata applications in digital libraries/digital collections) 
• INSC 525 Information Architecture   
• INSC 584 Database Management Systems 
• INSC 564 Archives and Records Management (if interested in information organization in archives) 
• INSC 592 Introduction to Data Analytics and Visualizations (for advanced learners) 

Real-World Recent Experience

Recent Practicum Settings

• Oak Ridge National Lab, Digital Archives 
• The United States Army Corps of Engineers 
• Knox County Archives 
• McClung Historical Collection 
• University of the South Archives 
• Austin Peay State University 
• Blount County Public Library
• University of Memphis Systems Department 

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Since their inception in the mid-1800’s, public libraries have been the “people’s university,” offering personal enrichment, continuing education, and recreational activities. Today’s public libraries are vibrant, busy places, where users of all ages can find a variety of materials in many different formats. In addition to the materials and resources, public librarians provide reference and information services both virtually and in the library; librarians offer programs as varied as infant storytimes, to English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, to technology training, to life skills and retirement programs. Public libraries are grounded in their neighborhoods and responsive to their users’ needs and interests, and no two days of work in a public library are alike. Public librarians need to be flexible, agile, and responsive.

These are just a few of the many position titles found in job announcements for public librarians. Positions may be at the individual agency level (e.g., branch library), system level, or at the regional library level. For more position titles and job requirements, consult theALA JobList.

• Collection Management Director contributes, collaborates, and connects customers to information in a variety of formats, when they need it and where they want it, by applying traditional and nontraditional collection development and management practices. The work involves selecting and preserving a variety of items to meet needs of particular users, conducting community analysis, developing policies and procedures, evaluating and purchasing collection materials, and weeding or discarding materials as necessary.
• Community Relations Librarian plans, implements and coordinates community relations with the public. Responsibilities may include creating services and programs in collection development and programming, public relations, web design and management, and electronic communication.  Plans and coordinates comprehensive public relations/marketing outreach program for the library agency or system.  The work requires considerable skill, initiative, independent judgment, professional ethics, and follow through capability. An ability to exercise mature judgment and maintain confidentiality of administrative matters is important.[Related title: Outreach Librarian].
• Information Technology Manager supports the successful analysis, design, and implementation of all library systems including networks, servers, telecommunications, integrated and automated systems, Internet, hardware, and desktops. Is responsible for meeting the technology needs of the library and constituencies by evaluating requirements, selecting and purchasing software and hardware to support the library and its programs. Anticipates and fulfills future needs for software and hardware upgrades including acquisition of new technologies. Coordinates the implementation of all automated library systems and upgrades. Maintains the wired and wireless networks. Supports managers and employees with training, documented procedures, and troubleshooting technical problems.
• Library Assistant (e.g., Adult Services Position) provides paraprofessional library services. The person is responsible for: Performance of advanced bibliographic searches in interlibrary loan; Acquisition or circulation functions and/or information services using all available library sources and tools; Provision of research and/or assistance in public service areas involving extensive public contact in advising patrons in the use and location of materials or data bases; development and maintenance of an audio-visual collection. Desirable to have some public library experience. Requires experience with library organizations or other related fields.  Some proficiency in use of technology is expected. [Related titles:Administrative Assistant, Circulation Assistant, Clerk, Library Associate, Library Page].
• Library Business Manager is responsible for all general ledger preparation, input and reporting (including management of accounts payable obtaining invoice approval, audit and deposit circulation cash register receipts, preparation of entries for tax revenue and interest income, balance of bi-weekly payroll summary and deductions to the payroll check register, monthly reconciliation of bank accounts, and preparation of all financial reports). Maintains accounting system vendor files and distributes/reports annual 1099’s, payroll processing (shared with H.R.), informs Board Assists the director and Library Board Trustees with the preparation of the fiscal year budget. Monitors expenditures, along with the Director to ensure that expenditures stay within budgetary limits.
• Library Director should be a visionary, strategic leader with passion, creativity, and innovation to lead a public library organization and community forward by providing quality services and programs. Should have the energy, enthusiasm, and ability to recognize and contribute to the agency’s successes and solid foundation. They bring a talent to engage staff and the public in showcasing and expanding the library’s role in the community. These include (not limited to) developing a “library without walls,” a welcoming, warm physical space for community members to connect with each other, collaborative external partnerships, and a strong, clear leadership voice and direction. [Related titles: Executive Director, Assistant Director, Library Manager, Branch Manager].
• Public Services Librarians assist users with information needs, instruct patrons in the effective use of information resources, act as liaison to one or more community agencies and not-for-profit organizations, and manage one or more areas of the collection. The individual adopts a compassionate, customer service focused and user-centered philosophy. [Related title: Public Services Assistant Manager].
• Supervisor (e.g., Mobile Library Services) operates in a diverse environment to help fulfill the mission of the agency by supervising the daily operations of Mobile Library Services.  This position oversees the library services and materials provided to the community served by Mobile Libraries including information services, reader’s advisory services, circulation, and programming.
• Technical Services Librarians might catalog new additions to the collection, or oversee ordering and processing of new materials. Because technical services typically employ more staff members than degreed librarians, this type of position frequently includes supervisory responsibilities. [Related titles: Technical Services Assistant/Manager/Supervisor].
• Web Developer is a professional and technical position that helps develop comprehensive services for the web environment including the development, organization, content and maintenance of web-based public and staff services. [Related titles Virtual Branch Manager].

Professional Development

Associations

• American Library Association (ALA) 
• Public Library Association (PLA): A Division of the American Library Association 
• The Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) 
• Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC) 
• Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) 
• Other ALA divisions and national associations depending on interest 

Conferences

• The biennial PLA Conference  
• PLA at the American Library Association Annual Conference  
• ARSL’s Annual Conference 
• Others, depending on interest area 

Recommended SIS Courses (INSC)

In addition to completing the courses required for the MSIS degree, students with an interest in public librarianship might consider enrolling in some of these courses (please note that this listing is not a substitute for consulting with the MSIS Program Advisor). 

Everyone

• 554 Public Library Management and Services 
• 599 Practicum 

Strongly recommended, regardless of interest area

• 550 Management of Information Organizations 
• 559 Grant Development for Information Professionals 
• 560 Development and Management of Collections 

Technical Services/Information Technology

• 521 Cataloging and Classification 
• 522 Cataloging of Non-print Materials 
• 565 Digital Libraries 
• 584 Database Management Systems  
• 589 Web Design 
• 525 Information Architecture 

Public Services

• 534 Government Information Sources 
• 571 Children’s Materials 
• 572 Young Adult Materials  
• 573 Programming for Children & Young Adults 
• 574 Resources and Services for Adults 

Recommended Courses (Outside SIS)

Courses in other disciplines offer unique insight into public library life. Visit the current online UT Graduate Catalog to view descriptions of these courses.

• POLS 514 Research Design and Methodology in Public Administration
• POLS 539 – State and Local Government Politics
• POLS 562 – Public Management
• POLS 564 – Human Resource Management in Public Organizations
• PBRL 540 – Public Relations Management

Real-World Experience

Recent Practicum Settings

• East Ridge City Library, East Ridge, TN.
• Johnson City Public Library, Johnson City, TN.
• Nashville Public Library, Nashville, TN.
• Richmond Public Library, Richmond, VA.

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Information professionals with an expertise in science information support the scientific process and the dissemination of science information to scientists and to people who are not science experts. These professionals are leaders in handling science information including building science collections based on a deep understanding of the information that is needed for the expert community, assisting science experts and students in finding the information they need, and helping non-experts find science information they need. Science information professionals often work closely with scientific researchers. They also engage, explore, and use technologies.

Science information professionals work in academic libraries, corporate libraries, federal agencies, medical libraries and with publishers. These are some of the many positions these information professionals hold:

• Science Librarian
• Science Information Officer
• eScience Specialist
• Science Informationist
• Health Sciences Librarian

Professional Development

Associations

• Association for Information Science & Technology (SIG-STI)
• Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
• Science and Technology Section (STS)
• Medical Library Association
• Special Library Association

Conferences

• Each of the associations above have conferences with activities for science information professionals

Publications of Note

• Journal of eScience Librarianship
• Science & Technology Libraries
• Center for Open Science

Recommended SIS Courses (INSC)

• INSC 516 Geospatial Technologies
• INSC 543 Geographic Information in Information Sciences
• INSC 532 Sources and Services for Science & Engineering
• INSC 534 Government Information Sources
• INSC 535 Advanced Information Retrieval
• INSC 545 Scientific and Technical Communications
• INSC 546 Environmental Informatics
• INSC 547 Health Sciences Information Centers
• INSC 552 Academic Libraries
• INSC 553 Specialized Information Agencies and Services
• INSC 584 Database Management Systems
• INSC 592 Introduction to Data Analytics and Visualization
• INSC 599 Practicum

Real-World Experience

Recent Practicum Settings

• Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• NASA Distributed Active Archive
• National Geographic
• US Geological Survey
• UT Library
• South College

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The User Experience pathway provides students with a variety of skills to improve design and development of information systems and to measure usability of products and applications. The User Experience focus is specifically on creating new information sciences professionals who will be educated to perform UX research in both libraries and other information-intensive environments. These professionals will be well versed in user centered design, UX principles, tools and techniques in user interaction and user experience design.

The top careers and job opportunities of the next 10-25 years will be information intensive and require the ability to acquire and apply information and knowledge. The need for expertise in designing and conducting UX research and testing is growing. Positions for information professionals in this area include titles such as:

• Usability Researcher
• User Experience Designer
• Digital Experience Manager
• UX Strategist
• UX Researcher
• User Experience Librarian
• Information Architect
• Taxonomist
• Product Manager

Professional Development

Associations

• User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA) 
• Human Factors and Ergonomic Society (HFES) 
• Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (ACM SIGCHI) 
• American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Experience Design 
• American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST) SIGIA (Information Architecture), SIGUSE (Information Needs Seeking and Use) 
• The Interaction Design Association (IxDA)  
• Society for Technical Communication (STC): Usability & User Experience Special Interest Group (UUX SIG) 

Conferences

• American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)
• User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA) Conference
• ACM Conferences
  • Computer Supportive Cooperative Work (CSCW),
  • Supporting Group Work (GROUP),
  • Computer Human Interaction (CHI),
  • Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology (UIST),
  • Accessible Computing (ACCESS)
• HCI International Conference
• NordiCHI Conference

Publications of Note

• International Journal of Human – Computer Interaction‎
• International Journal of Human Computer-Studies
• UX Magazine
• Journal of Usability Studies
• Computers in Human Behavior
• Interacting with Computers
• Behavior and Information Technology
• ACM Transactions on Computer Human Interaction (TOCHI)
• Conference Proceedings – CHI, HFES, GROUP, HCII

Recommended SIS Courses (INSC)

In addition to completing the courses required for the MSIS degree, students with an interest in user experience might consider enrolling in some of these courses (please note that this listing is not a substitute for consulting with the MSIS Program Advisor). 

• INSC 504 Research Methods for Information Professionals 
• INSC 586 Usability Testing and Evaluation 
• INSC 588 Human-Computer Interaction 
• INSC 525 Information Architecture 
• INSC 598 Web Design 
• INSC 599 Practicum 
• CCI 660: Doctoral Seminar in Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience (UX) 

Other UX Related Courses at the University of Tennessee

(please note—students typically must secure permission from the course instructor prior to registering for courses offered outside CCI. These courses also may be offered on campus only)

• EDPY 577 – Statistics in Applied Fields I

Recommended Online Training & Workshops

UT Office of Innovative Technologies Workshops

• Advanced Excel 2 & 3
• PowerPoint Advanced Techniques
• NVivo
• QuestionPro
• SPSS

LinkedIn Learning Playlists

• Time Management
• Project Management
• UX Research
• UX Design
• Communication

Real-World Experience

Recent Practicum Settings

• University of Tennessee
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
• CCI – User-Experience Lab
• KeyLogic Associates, Inc
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Warner Brothers Discovery Inc

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Youth services librarianship is an umbrella term that covers services for youth from birth through high school graduation or early college, and usually refers to services offered in public libraries. Youth services librarians construct and maintain a developmentally appropriate collection, provide reference and reader’s advisory services, conduct programming that is designed to support and extend print, media, and information literacy. Programs may be as varied as lapsit programs for babies to robotics for youth, to research or life skills development for older youth.

These are but a few of the many positions youth services librarians hold. For more position titles and job requirements, consult the ALA JobList.

• Children’s Librarians work with youth from birth through elementary school, although the upper age may vary depending on the library’s definition. In some libraries the upper boundary may be fifth grade, while in others, it may be middle school (7-8th grades). The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) defines “children” as birth through age 13. Children’s librarians typically also provide outreach to daycare centers, kindergartens, and elementary schools.
• Directors of Children’s (and Young Adult) Services, Youth Services Managers have responsibility for the overall operations of the children’s and/or young adult departments. They schedule and evaluate librarians and paraprofessionals, oversee budgets, and may be members of the public library management team. In addition, depending on the library’s size, they may also conduct programs and provide reference services.
• Young Adult (YA) Librarians, Teen Librarians, Young Adult (YA) Specialists focus on tweens and teens, depending on the library’s policy. According to the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the ages served are 12-18. Teen or YA librarians may provide reference services, maintain collections, provide programming, and do outreach to middle and high schools.
• Youth Librarians, Youth Community Services Librarians work with the full range of ages, from birth through high school graduation. In certain cases, they may be called “children’s librarians” but have responsibility for services to youth through high school.  
• Public Services Librarians typically have a dual role in adult and youth services. For instance, they may be working out of the adult services reference department, but have responsibility for children’s/YA programming or school visits.
• School Librarians have many of the same responsibilities as public librarians, in the areas of collection development and literacy training. Their jobs focus almost completely on curriculum support, although it is becoming fairly common for them to offer other types of programming as well.

Professional Development

Associations

• Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association
• Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association
• Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association
• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE),
• Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN)
• International Reading Association (IRA)
• Other ALA divisions or organizations depending on interest
• Tennessee Library Association (TLA)

Conferences

• ALSC biennial Conference
• YALSA biennial YA Literature Symposium
• State-level or regional conferences (e.g. TLA, VLA)
• Others, depending on interest area

Publications of Note

• Children & Librarians (CAL)
• Horn Book
• Young Adult Library Services (YALS)
• Journal of Research on Libraries & Young Adults (JRLYA)
• School Library Journal (SLJ)
• Voices of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
• Booklist

Recommended SIS Courses (INSC)

In addition to completing the courses required for the MSIS degree, students with an interest in youth services librarianship might consider enrolling in some of these courses (please note that this listing is not a substitute for consulting with the MSIS Program Advisor). 

Everyone interested in working with youth in public libraries should take

• INSC 571 Children’s Materials 
• INSC 572 Young Adults’ Materials 
• INSC 573 Programming for Children & Young Adults 
• INSC 576 Storytelling in Diverse Settings 
• INSC 577 Picturebooks Across the Curriculum 

Recommended, regardless of interest area

• INSC 550 Management of Information Organizations 
• INSC 559 Grant Development for Information Professionals 
• INSC 560 Development and Management of Collections 

Youth Informatics

Youth Informatics is a pathway for graduate students who wish to expand their role in youth services to bridge the gap between traditional youth librarianship and information/communication technology. The growth in digital information, information systems, communication technologies, and fields of study including, but not limited to STEM, require individuals who have the necessary knowledge, critical thinking, and problem solving skills to help public libraries, school systems and other institutions integrate and use these technologies, as well as offer services in support of teaching, research, and practice. 

Public/ User Services

• INSC 534 Government Information Sources
• INSC 535 Advanced Information Retrieval
• INSC 557 User Instruction
• INSC 587 Mining the Web

Real-World Experience

Recent Practicum Settings

• Henrietta Public Library, Rochester, NY
• Knox County (TN) Public Library
• Portsmouth (VA) Public Library
• Tennessee State Library

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